In 1994 I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which led me to create Celiac.com in 1995. I created this site for a single purpose: To help as many people as possible with celiac disease get diagnosed so they can begin to live happy, healthy gluten-free lives. Celiac.com was the first site on the Internet dedicated solely to celiac disease. In 1998 I founded The Gluten-Free Mall, Your Special Diet Superstore!, and I am the co-author of the book Cereal Killers, and founder and publisher of Journal of Gluten Sensitivity.

By Scott Adams

Published on 07/26/1996

The following guidelines were received from the Oct. 1993
CSA/USA National Conference in Buffa

The following guidelines were received from the Oct. 1993
CSA/USA National Conference in Buffalo, NY:

1) You can claim
only the EXTRA COST of the gluten-free product over what you would
pay for the similar item at a grocery store. For example, if wheat
flour costs $0.89 per 5 lbs. and rice flour is $3.25 per 5 lbs., the
DIFFERENCE of $2.36 is tax deductible. You may also claim mileage
expense for the extra trip to the health food store and postal costs
on gluten-free products ordered by mail.

2) The cost of
xanthan gum (methylcellulose, etc.) used in gluten-free home baked
goods is completely different than anything used in an ordinary recipe,
so in the opinion of the IRS, the total cost of this item can be claimed.

3) Save all cash
register tapes, receipts, and canceled checks to substantiate your
gluten-free purchases. You will need to prepare a list of grocery
store prices to arrive at the differences in costs. You need not submit
it with your return, but do retain it.

4) Attach a letter
from your doctor to your tax return. This letter should state that
you have Celiac Sprue disease and must adhere to a total gluten-free
diet for life.

5) Under MEDICAL
DEDUCTIONS list as Extra cost of a gluten-free diet the
total amount of your extra expenses. You do not need to itemize these
expenses.

Suggestions:

1) You may want
to write the Citations (as given below) on your tax return. Always
keep a copy of your doctors letter for your own records.

2) Your IRS office
may refer you to Publication 17 and tell you these deductions are
not permissible. IRS representatives have ruled otherwise and this
is applicable throughout the US Refer them to the following Citations: